SHOT16: Martinson Industries Lets You “RyGG” It Your Way

Martinson Industries out of Portland, ME made their SHOT SHOW debut in 2014 with the ELSA: Emergency Life Saving Armor. The ELSA is an extremely discrete plate carrier that to outside observers looks like nothing more than a messenger bag. This year the vetrepreneur run business returned with the RyGG (Swedish for “back”), a modular pack system that will allow you to configure your gear however you'd like.

Mac McIntire, Marine vet and owner of Martinson Industries is a nylon craftsman that grew tired of having dedicated packs for gear configurations. He has created a system that is centered around the RyGG, the molle covered base plate upon which are attached “Pods” of various sizes.

We’re starting 2016 out right — we’ll be showcasing worthy small American businesses all through the month of January. Capitalism is part of the foundation upon which our great republic stands, and small business is a vital part of that. Join us in recognizing and acknowledging that truth and supporting craftsmen and small businesses. Happily we have stumbled across  more than one here at SHOT Show 2016. Happy EntrepreNewYear.

“We wanted the RyGG to be compatible with all of the pouches that you already own, but also give you the versatility to add Pods based on whatever it is you are doing that day.”

For example, if you only need a molle field with some pouches or maybe a med kit you would just wear the RyGG itself. Going for a day hike? Strap on the small Pod. Need more room? Bump up to the larger Pod with additional tool pockets and external storage. Need a rifle case? Add either the 22 or 40″ rifle Pod.

Utilizing high quality polymer buckles and a two-zipper attachment system, the Pods can also be combined independent of the RyGG if you need a weekend luggage system. Configuring the RyGG in a multitude of ways, the connectivity options seemed limitless.

“Instead of unloading all your gear from your pack and then reloading more gear each day, increasing the chance of losing critical items, you can have a dedicated Pod that is set and ready to go at a moment's notice,” says McIntire. “Switch them out when you need to.”

We got to see the system in action, and we have to admit it is pretty slick. Made of 1000D Nylon with hand topstitching, the Pods have an extremely clean, almost gentlemanly look about them, and nothing about this system screams “tactical.” It is meant to be covert, configurable, and expandable.

Multiple compression straps can be added, removed, or modified to run in various directions rather than being stitched into the bag itself. With locking zippers, and seemingly endless configurations, the RyGG is offered in Hunter Orange, Gray, ATACS AU, and Black. Other colorways can be made to order by contacting MI directly.

Available now, the Rygg ships in about 3-4 weeks. MSRP on the RyGG base platform is around $100, and the pods will all be somewhere around the $100-$150 price point, based on size.

You can find out more about the RyGG and the ELSA over at the Martinson Industries website or Facebook page.

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What is the NSSF SHOT Show?

The NSSF SHOT Show (Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade Show) and Conference is an annual event held by the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Typically attended by thousands of people from all 50 states and over a hundred countries, it is (quite rightfully) described as the “…world's premier exposition of combined firearms, ammunition, law enforcement, cutlery, outdoor apparel, optics, and related products and services.
Imagine the Worlds' Fair, but packed with everything from mini-guns and every breed of body armor, bows and boots; from eye pro and ear pro to optics and ordnance, socks to swords…you get the idea. If you'd like to see a sampling of the companies who will be showing at this year's SHOT, there's a live map right here, though it doesn't reflect the organizations set up elsewhere, in hotel suites, etc.
View imagery from our coverage of last year's SHOT Show right here.
2016 SHOT Show
January 18 — Media on the Range (numerous shooting facilities in and around Las Vegas)
January 19–22, 2016
Sands Expo and Convention Center
Las Vegas, Nevada
Hours:
Tuesday, January 19 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 20 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 21 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Friday, January 22 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.